Quartz countertops are popular in many modern kitchens and bathrooms because of their durability, beauty, and low maintenance. While quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, it still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking pristine. Fortunately, you can easily clean quartz countertops using natural ingredients you likely already have at home.

Why Choose Quartz Countertops?

Before we dive into how to clean quartz countertops, let’s first look at what makes quartz such a great countertop material:

Durability – Quartz is made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This makes an incredibly hard, non-porous surface that stands up well to heavy usage without scratching or staining.
Low Maintenance – Since quartz resists stains and etching, it does not require sealing or frequent polishing like natural stone. Simple cleaning keeps quartz looking fresh.
Stylish – Quartz comes in a wide array of colors and patterns that mimic natural stone and concrete. The seamless appearance makes a stylish statement.
Hygienic – The non-porous surface inhibits bacteria growth, making quartz ideal for kitchens and baths.

While more expensive than materials like laminate, quartz’s durability and low-maintenance make it worth the investment for many homeowners. Keeping it clean maximizes its lifespan and beauty.

Supplies for Cleaning Quartz Countertops

The good news is that cleaning quartz is straightforward and requires no specialized products. Here are the basic supplies you need:

Microfiber cloths – Use soft microfiber rather than paper towels to clean quartz. Microfiber traps dirt effectively without scratching.
Dish soap – A small amount of mild detergent like blue Dawn mixed with water tackles most stains.
Spray bottle – Use this to dispense your cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
Baking soda – This gentle abrasive lifts stains. Mix with water to make a paste.
White vinegar – Helpful for removing soap scum and hard water marks.
Hydrogen peroxide – The bubbling action lifts stuck-on grime.
Scotch-Brite pad – For extra scrubbing power on tough spots.

With these simple homemade cleaners and tools, you can keep your quartz counters spotless.

Daily Cleaning of Quartz Countertops

Establishing daily and weekly cleaning routines is the best way to keep quartz counters in impeccable shape for the long-term. Here is how to clean quartz daily:

1. Remove Debris

At the end of each day, wipe your quartz with a damp microfiber to remove any crumbs or spills sitting on the surface. This quick daily wipe down prevents debris from becoming dried on and more stubborn to remove later.

2. Clean with Soap and Water

Once or twice per day, give the counters a more thorough cleaning. Fill your spray bottle with warm water and a small squirt of dish soap. Spray down a section of the countertop and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. The dish soap will cut through grease and food residue that accumulate from cooking and cleaning.

3. Rinse and Dry

Follow up by spraying just water to rinse off any soap residue. Wipe the quartz dry with a clean microfiber. Allowing water spots to dry on the surface can lead to buildup of mineral deposits over time.

4. Treat Spills ASAP

If you do encounter food or liquid spills like wine, coffee or tomato sauce on your quartz, blot them up right away with an absorbent cloth. Don’t let spills sit for long periods. The quicker you can clean them, the easier they will be to remove.

With this quick but thorough daily cleaning routine, you can maintain your quartz counters in like-new condition day to day.

Weekly Deep Cleaning for Quartz

In addition to daily surface cleaning, you should dedicate time each week to deep clean and disinfect your quartz countertops:

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Both baking soda and vinegar have natural antibacterial properties to sanitize surfaces. Make a paste with baking soda and water and rub over the entire counter with a soft scrubbing brush or cloth. Let it sit briefly before rinsing and drying. Follow up by spraying vinegar and wiping down. Your countertops will sparkle!

Remove Soap Scum

Soap scum from hand washing dishes can accumulate, making quartz look dingy. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray onto soap scum buildup. Let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing away the grime. Say goodbye to soap scum!

Eliminate Odors

Kitchen counters get all sorts of food odors over time. Disinfect and deodorize by spraying hydrogen peroxide over the surface. Let bubble for 5 minutes before wiping away. The counters will smell clean and fresh.

Be sure to do a deep clean session weekly to remove any grime that daily cleaning misses.

How to Remove Common Stains from Quartz

While quartz resists stains better than other countertop materials, some very pigmented spills can still discolor the surface if left too long. Try these cleaning tips for common quartz stains:

Coffee and Tea Stains

For light stains, rub baking soda and water into the spot with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry. For darker stains, allow a hydrogen peroxide solution to bubble on the stain for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The peroxide will lift the staining.

Dried Food Stains

Spaghetti sauce, beet juice or other dried-on foods will need the power of baking soda and vinegar. Make a thick paste with baking soda and water and apply to the stain. Coat with vinegar and allow to fizz for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush and rinsing. Repeat if needed.

Berry, Wine or Juice Stains

Lightly stain a paper towel with bleach and place on the stain for an hour before rinsing. Take care not to allow bleach to sit too long on quartz as it can discolor the surface over time. Hydrogen peroxide can also lift pigmented fruit and wine stains with less risk of discoloration.

Oil Stains

Dampen a cloth with ammonia and lay over oil stains. Allow it to penetrate for an hour before scrubbing and rinsing. The ammonia will break down and lift greasy stains. Wipe the area with hydrogen peroxide after rinsing ammonia to remove any residual odor.

With the right cleaning methods, you can remove almost any stain from quartz over time. Just address them ASAP to minimize the amount of work needed.

Can You Use Bleach or Harsh Chemicals on Quartz?

It is best to stick to non-toxic homemade cleaners like vinegar, peroxide and baking soda on quartz countertops. While the quartz itself is non-porous and resistant to chemicals, the polymer resins used in some quartz can become damaged by repeated exposure to harsh cleaners.

If you do choose to use something stronger for tough stains, these guidelines apply:

Spot test in an inconspicuous area first.
Limit bleach use to diluted solutions for short time periods. Avoid soaking the surface.
Rinse surfaces treated with chemicals like oven cleaner thoroughly. Better yet, avoid them.
Harsh alkaline chemicals like drain opener should never be used. They can etch quartz.

Your safest bet is to use gentle cleaners containing no dyes, bleaches or harsh chemicals. Stick to home remedies like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda as needed.

Does Quartz Need to Be Sealed or Polished?

Unlike granite and other natural stone, quartz does not require regular sealing or polishing to maintain its finish. Here’s why:

Non-porous – Liquids don’t penetrate quartz, so sealing is unnecessary. Save your money!
Permanent finish – The glossy polish is integrated all the way through the slab. It does not wear away over time.

The only exception is that quartz can develop etching (a rough, pitted look) from prolonged exposure to acidic substances like citrus and vinegar. Using cutting boards and promptly cleaning up spills prevents this. If etching does occur, careful polishing with a diamond polishing pad can remove shallow etch marks. Otherwise, quartz maintenance is blissfully simple.

How to Clean a Quartz Sink

While we’ve focused on countertops, quartz makes beautiful durable sinks too. Clean them the same as countertops:

Everyday cleaning with dish soap and water.
Weekly scrub with baking soda paste to remove buildup.
Remove stains like coffee and wine with hydrogen peroxide.
Avoid abrasive cleansers that could scratch the surface.
Use a soft cloth or sponge rather than abrasive scrubbers.

Quartz sinks stay beautiful with the same simple care as counters.

How Often Should You Clean Quartz Countertops?

Daily – Quick wipe down of surface dirt + wash with dish soap
Weekly – Deep clean with baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide
As Needed – Address spills immediately to prevent stains

Cleaning quartz daily and weekly removes bacteria, eliminates odors, and protects the finish. Prompt attention to spills prevents stains from setting. Get on a regular cleaning routine and your quartz counters will stay gorgeous for decades.

Common Quartz Countertop Cleaning Questions

New quartz owners often have these additional questions:

Can I use Magic Eraser on quartz?

Yes, Magic Eraser sponges can safely clean quartz without scratching. Their melamine foam lightly abrades dirt without damaging the tough quartz surface. Just wet the sponge before using and avoid rubbing aggressively.

What about using Lysol wipes?

Lysol and other disinfectant wipes work well for sanitizing quartz. However, avoid citrus-scented varieties than can potentially etch the surface over time.

Will lemon juice or vinegar damage my quartz?

Acidic liquids like lemon juice and vinegar should not harm quartz when used for short cleaning sessions. But avoid leaving them to soak on the surface, as this prolongs acid exposure that can etch the finish.

How can I get rid of hard water marks?

Hard water deposits can be stubborn but dissolve with some vinegar or hydrogen peroxide soaking. Use a soft cloth and gentle scrubbing, not an abrasive sponge, to remove hard water spots.

Do I need to seal my grout lines?

Sealing the grout between quartz countertops is a good idea to prevent stains. Use a dedicated grout sealer rather than attempting to seal the quartz surface itself. Reapply sealer to grout lines annually.

What’s the best way to disinfect my countertops?

To thoroughly disinfect quartz, first clean any surface dirt with dish soap and water. Then spray diluted hydrogen peroxide over the surface and let sit 1-2 minutes before wiping. Hydrogen peroxide kills 99% of bacteria and viruses.

With the proper care, your quartz countertops will stay looking fabulous and sanitary for a lifetime. Follow these cleaning techniques and they will exceed your expectations in durability and beauty. Be sure to spread the word so others can learn how to unlock the best qualities of quartz. Share your top quartz cleaning tips in the comments below!

How to Clean Quartz Countertops Naturally – FAQ

Cleaning and caring for quartz countertops doesn’t require harmful chemicals or a lot of effort. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about keeping quartz counters spotless using natural methods:

What natural solutions work to clean quartz?

Baking soda – Makes an effective scrub to remove stains from coffee, wine, etc.
White vinegar – Helps eliminate soap scum, hard water marks, and bacteria. The acid in vinegar also removes stains.
Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfects and whitens quartz. It bubbles away stuck on messes.
Dish soap – A small amount mixed with water cuts through grease and cleans surfaces.

How can I remove dried on food?

Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to stuck on messes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a soft cloth or brush. You can also spray vinegar to help loosen the grime before scrubbing. The combination gets quartz squeaky clean.

What should I use for hard water stains?

Hard water deposits come right up with some white vinegar applied to a soft cloth. Rub the vinegar over the spots and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Repeat as needed for tougher hard water stains.

Is it okay to use bleach on my quartz?

It’s best to avoid bleach entirely, as the harsh chemicals can damage the resin in quartz over time with repeated use. For disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide works well without the risks. But if using bleach, dilute it and limit use to small areas only when needed.

Can I use stainless steel cleaner and polisher on quartz?

No, quartz should never be cleaned with stainless steel polish or other abrasive cleaners. Quartz has its own permanent polished finish that doesn’t require polishing. Use only soft cloths to prevent scratching the surface.

How do I get rid of bad smells in my quartz?

Wiping down quartz with hydrogen peroxide solutions eliminates odors left from food prep. Simply spray peroxide on the counters, allow to bubble for 2-3 minutes, then wipe clean. This disinfects and deodorizes.

How can I make my counters super shiny?

Regular cleaning with soft cloths will keep your quartz looking luminous. If it loses its luster over time, try scrubbing the surface gently with a baking soda paste. Rinse well and dry. The baking soda is a mild abrasive that restores shine.

What’s the best way to clean tough grease stains?

For heavy grease removal, spray the stains with diluted ammonia and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the ammonia to penetrate and break down the grease. Scrub with a soft cloth, rinse, and follow up by cleaning the area with hydrogen peroxide to eliminate ammonia odors.

In Conclusion

One of the key benefits of quartz countertops is that they stay beautiful for years with simple cleaning using ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Establish daily and weekly cleaning routines to keep them shining. Deal with spills promptly to avoid stains setting in. With the proper care, you’ll enjoy durability, beauty and convenience with minimal upkeep.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops Naturally – [Conclusion]

Quartz countertops are an excellent choice for kitchens and other rooms because of their stylish appearance, durability, and easy maintenance. While quartz resists most stains and etching without need for sealing, regular cleaning is required to keep these counters looking pristine and hygienic.

The good news is that quartz can be easily cleaned using common household ingredients like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap and water. Harsh chemical cleaners are not required and should be avoided.

To keep your quartz counters spotless:

Clean daily with dish soap and water to remove surface debris.
Clean thoroughly each week with baking soda or vinegar to sanitize, remove stuck on grime, and eliminate odors.
Promptly treat spills by blotting up liquids and using hydrogen peroxide or baking soda pastes to lift pigmented stains before they set.
Avoid prolonged exposure to acidic substances that can etch the finish over time.

Establishing these simple daily, weekly and as-needed cleaning habits will maintain the polished beauty, sanitary surface, and long lifespan of your investment in quartz countertops. Using non-toxic homemade cleaners will keep your counters gorgeous without unnecessary work or harming the environment.

With the proper care outlined here, you can enjoy durable, low-maintenance quartz countertops that will exceed your expectations for decades to come.